Transportation

Chu-Obama Conflict On Gas Taxes?

Nobel laureate and Energy Secretary designee Steven Chu is apparently at odds with the president-elect's position on fuel prices in terms of the price signal it sends to motorists and home-buyers.

December 24, 2008 - ABC News: The Note

The Case Against San Francisco's Congestion Pricing Plan

In this op-ed, "San Francisco is not London", Steve Falk, the CEO of the S.F. Chamber of Commerce, explains why London-style congestion pricing is inappropriate for the downtown core - that it would only hurt businesses without reducing congestion.

December 24, 2008 - San Francisco Chronicle

The Return of the Cargo Trike

The New Amsterdam Project in Cambridge, Mass., recently debuted a fleet of pedal-powered cargo tricycles, aimed at clients who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

December 23, 2008 - The Christian Science Monitor

Ford's New 52 MPG Hybrid

The Pulitzer-prizing winning auto columnist for the LA Times reviews the hybrid version 2010 Ford Fusion - a car that shows Washington it is on the right track, even if a tad late. Neil highlights the importance of its nickel battery technology.

December 22, 2008 - Los Angeles Times

Calgary Close to Going Regional With Transit

This summer, the provincial government announced a $2 billion public transit fund focused on regional co-operation. Thousands of commuters from bedroom communities around Calgary could benefit from the infrastructure.

December 22, 2008 - The Calgary Herald

Zero-Emissions Bus in Sight

In spring of next year, Burbank, CA will debut the nation's first lightweight, zero-emissions bus.

December 22, 2008 - Mass Transit

Suburbs Benefit From an Urban President, Too

In fact, says one planner, suburbs and exurbs can expect to see some of the biggest changes of all, at least from infrastructure and transportation funding.

December 22, 2008 - Marketwatch

Ray LaWho?

The announcement of Ray LaHood as Transportation Secretary came as a surprise to many transportation planners and environmentalists. This article looks at some of their reactions to the pick.

December 19, 2008 - Grist

Stimulus Money Pits Cities Against States

In an effort to secure federal stimulus funding, cities and states are elbowing to see who can get transportation projects started the fastest.

December 19, 2008 - Stateline

Tucson Rejects Density Plan

There will be no infill development at Jefferson Park, near the University of Arizona, that increases density. The move contradicts the city's plan to achieve a more "urban feel."

December 19, 2008 - Tuscon Citizen

Raise the Gas Tax, Reduce the Payroll Tax

Time's Michael Kinsley explains why now is the perfect time to introduce a revenue-neutral gas tax, with the revenue used to lower the payroll.

December 18, 2008 - Time

Republican LaHood Chosen As Transportation Secretary

Surprising many, IL Congressman Ray LaHood, a Republican, was selected to fill the transportation position in Obama's administration, presumably to show a bi-partisan approach. Transportation reauthorization and the stimulus package await LaHood.

December 18, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

Locals Oppose Jewish Developments

Around already-overdeveloped parts of Los Angeles, large developments planned by Chabad and other Jewish organizations have been facing some strong local opposition.

December 18, 2008 - Los Angeles Times

BRT Fails in Delhi

The Bus Rapid Transit System has failed to meet the demands of New Delhi's riders and pedestrians. A better strategy, according to one report, is to improve its mass transit instead.

December 17, 2008 - The Indian Express

Report Shows Driving Trends Have Been on Downward Path For Years

Though the recent decline in vehicle miles traveled has been commonly linked with this year's rise in gas prices, VMT has been on the way down for years, according to a new report from the Brookings Institution.

December 17, 2008 - The Brookings Institution

Missouri Streets are a Little More Complete

DeSoto and Ferguson are the first two cities in Missouri to adopt Complete Street plans. The ordinances are in place to encourage walking and biking, and, ultimately, healthier lifestyles.

December 17, 2008 - Land Online

Air Board Approves Diesel and Climate Protection Plans

In back-to-back rulings, the Californian Air Resources Board approved the nation's strongest climate protection plan and the strictest on-road diesel emissions plans that will mean the oldest, most polluting trucks and buses will soon be no more.

December 17, 2008 - San Francisco Chronicle

Understanding San Francisco's Congestion Pricing Study

In this op-ed, the executive director of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority makes a case for congestion pricing in the City, though he is quick to indicate the SFCTA is only studying the concept to see if it could be applied there.

December 17, 2008 - San Francisco Chronicle

Better Streets Called a Top Reason to Love New York

New York Magazine's list of reasons to love New York includes a nod to the city's streets and their recent renovation into pedestrian- and bike-friendly thoroughfares.

December 17, 2008 - New York Magazine

Personal Rapid Transit for San Jose Airport?

The City of San José, CA is reviewing proposals from 18 companies to create a PRT system connecting the airport to other transportation modes.

December 16, 2008 - ABC KGO TV 7 - San Francisco

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Community Development Director

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design

Transportation Planner I

KFH Group Inc.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.